Aim of the study This study aimed to evaluate the time efficiency and accuracy of digital scanning compared to traditional impression methods in dentistry, as well as their impact on patient comfort and satisfaction. Materials and methods Bibliographic searches were conducted in databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), applying relevant keywords to identify studies comparing digital and conventional impression techniques in dentistry. The data was extracted and graphically represented. Results Data from clinical studies indicated mixed conclusions regarding accuracy and impression parameters. Time spent on impressions seems to be less for digital techniques, but results are conflicting. Patients reported increased comfort and a clear preference for digital scans due to their less invasive nature and reduced discomfort. Conclusions Integrating digital scanning technology into modern dental practices offers significant benefits in terms of procedural efficiency and patient satisfaction, while accuracy and time depend by circumstances such as edentulism type and length of scan.

Background and aims:This study aimed at evaluating the etiology and treatment challenges of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods:160 subjects with TMDs, 38 males (23.8%) and 122 females (76.3%) were studied. A personalized coefficient was designated, which included the resolution of the main symptom, correction of secondary symptoms, patient collaboration (emotional parameter), treatment duration, and cost. Results:The most frequent cause for consultation was muscle impairment (42.5%), or limitation of mouth opening, followed by joint impairment (23.1%). Muscle pain was noticed, particularly in the masseter (57.5%) and lateral pterygoid muscles (51.9%). Tooth pain or gingival retraction was frequently associated with tooth wear (48.1%) and dental abfraction (31.3%). Remote symptomatology was dominated by otologic symptomatology. Iatrogenic etiology was highest (69.4%), followed by untreated missing teeth (66.9%). Treatment options included muscle relaxation, occlusal balancing (equilibration), kinesitherapy, medication, and swallowing re-education. Most patients benefited from four to seven different types of therapy, which resulted in a higher cost and a longer and more uncomfortable treatment. The primary symptom was relieved in 82.3% of cases, with recurrence occurring in 15.7%. Conclusion:The treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction is time-consuming, demanding, and intricate. Most patients required four to seven different types of therapy, which increased the expense, treatment duration, and suffering.

Aim of the study This study aimed to evaluate the time efficiency and accuracy of digital scanning compared to traditional impression methods in dentistry, as well as their impact on patient comfort and satisfaction. Materials and methods Bibliographic searches were conducted in databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), applying relevant keywords to identify studies comparing digital and conventional impression techniques in dentistry. The data was extracted and graphically represented. Results Data from clinical studies indicated mixed conclusions regarding accuracy and impression parameters. Time spent on impressions seems to be less for digital techniques, but results are conflicting. Patients reported increased comfort and a clear preference for digital scans due to their less invasive nature and reduced discomfort. Conclusions Integrating digital scanning technology into modern dental practices offers significant benefits in terms of procedural efficiency and patient satisfaction, while accuracy and time depend by circumstances such as edentulism type and length of scan.

Osteoporosis is more common in women, particularly after menopause and may be associated with oral health alterations. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between periodontal disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Materials and method: During 2018-2020, 97 menopausal patients were studied, aged between 47 and 76 years: (1) with osteoporosis, mean age 62.42 +/- 7.85 years and (2) control group without osteoporosis, mean age 56.80 +/- 7.00 years. In group (1), the regions of interest were lumbar spine (L1-L4), proximal femur and mandible. Results: Mean lumbar BMD was 0.87 in group 1, 0.96 in group 2, femoral neck BMD 0.80 in group 1 and 0.88 in group 2, mandibular BMD 1.22 in group 1 and 1.27 in group 2 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are six times more likely to have periodontal disease. Decreased bone mineral density is negatively correlated with the risk of developing periodontal disease.

(1) Background: Several studies investigating the clinical outcomes of potentially premalignant oral epithelial lesions treated with CO2 lasers have been published over the last decades. (2) Methods: A systematic research review was performed for studies published between 2011 and 2021 in the PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. (3) Results: Initially, the search identified 52 relevant articles. The primary analysis of the titles and abstracts eliminated 22 articles, leaving 30 articles whose full texts were examined. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were classified into 3 categories. (4) Conclusions: After evaluating the results of all the studies included in this review, an initial general statement can be made, namely that CO2 lasers are a treatment option worth taking into consideration when approaching oral mucosal lesions. When compared to other types of lasers used in dental practice, the CO2 laser stands out due to its many advantages.

Introduction. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are considered multifactorial conditions, thereby with different therapy options, from occlusal equilibration, splint therapy, pharmacotherapy or physical therapy. Among the physical therapies, over the last years, laser therapy and ultrasound therapy have gained attention, as different experimental or clinical studies suggest their efficacy in case of TMDs. The aim of our literature review is to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of laser and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Material and method. A research of literature has been performed - articles published over the last 5 years (January 2016 until June 2021) were searched by introducing a combination of different terms, using the Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Results and discussions. A total number of 332 articles was found. For multiple publications regarding the same group of patients, the most recent studies were included. Initial analysis of titles and abstracts eliminated 232 articles, leaving 35 articles whose full text was examined. 20 articles met the inclusion criteria Conclusions. According to the findings of this literature update we can conclude that low level laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, and photobiomodulation may effectively reduce pain for patients suffering of muscular and joint TMDs. However, their effects appear to be only shortly maintained, and only for less complex cases. In addition, it was difficult to compare the studies included, as they do not offer an optimal usage (program, duration of sessions, or number of sessions) of each technique. In this context, we consider that further randomized clinical studies are necessarily to compare each physical technique as well as their synergic effect on the symptoms in case of temporomandibular disorders. Keywords: temporomandibular disorders, low level laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, photobiomodulation, TMD, LLLT

Aim. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the following periodontal parameters: plaque indices, bleeding indices, probing depth and attachment loss, for class II direct posterior restorations. Material and method. The direct posterior restorations were performed with two ormocer materials, Admira Fusion X-tra® (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germania) and Admira Fusion® (Voco Cuxhaven, Germania), through two different methods, bulk fill technique and proximal wall restoration technique. The periodontal parameters were followed in 4 different moments, over a period of 3 months. Results. At the evaluation of plaque indices and bleeding indices, no significant differences were observed between the 2 studied groups. In both of the followed groups, group I and group II, the values for plaque and bleeding indices were decreased during the evaluation period. The values of probing depth and attachment loss did not change at any of the evaluation moment. Conclusions. Ormocer materials and restoration techniques used in this study did not negatively influence the evaluated periodontal parameters.

Introduction:Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by a multitude of pathogens, that eventually affects the entirety of all periodontal tissues and may lead to tooth mobility or even tooth loss. The destruction of said tissues occurs via 2 pathways: a direct pathway (defense mechanisms belonging to the pathogens) and an indirect pathway (the host’s immune system). Therapy is complex and requires strict follow-ups in order to prevent relapse. Aim: Our objective was to determine whether or not aPDT can be considered to be an effective adjunctive approach to the current standard initial treatment method when dealing with periodontitis (scaling/root planing). Methods: We performed an electronical search of the PubMed and ScienceDirect data bases starting from January 2014 and up to May 2019. Eligibility criteria included English-language systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials which evaluated the efficiency of aPDT, and that had been carried out on human subjects with permanent dentition. We excluded studies and reviews that were focused on the microbiology and/or immunology in photodynamic therapy and also those that used other LASER treatment modalities than aPDT. Results: Current literature displays many opinions regarding periodontal therapy with adjunctive aPDT, but it seems to be mainly regarded as a safe, effective and easy-to-use approach. Conclusion: aPDT seems to be efficient in the treatment of periodontitis when carried out additionally to classical scaling/root planing. Residual pockets seem to respond well to aPDT, as opposed to subsequent debridement flap elevation and its consequences on hard and soft tissues. However, further studies with a stricter treatment protocol and subsequent follow-ups are required in order to obtain a firmer conclusion. Key words: periodontitis LASER, periodontitis aPDT, periodontitis photodynamic therapy,

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders are complex pathologies with multifactorial aetiology. Due to this matter, different therapeutic approaches have been developed, one of them being physical therapy (also known as physiotherapy). Low-level laser therapy is often used in treating musculoskeletal diseases, TMJ pain and, although the exact mechanism of LLLT has not yet been completely elucidated, it seems that this kind of therapy induces analgesic, anti-inflammatory and bio-stimulating effects. The aim of this study was to create an update of scientific literature regarding the clinical use of LLLT in patients with temporomandibular disorders, and to identify the impact of this therapy on reducing pain in the masticatory muscles. Methods: A research of literature was performed - articles published over the last 10 years (January 2009 until December 2019) were searched for by introducing a combination of different keywords on the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Results: A total number of 294 articles were found. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 articles were taken into consideration for our study, and among them, 9 were systematic meta-analyses or literature reviews and 19 were clinical studies. Conclusion: Low level laser therapy may effectively reduce pain in patients suffering from muscular- and/or joint-specific TMDs, but the effect appears to last only for a short period of time, and can be achieved only in less complex cases. LLLT may also improve oro-facial functions by reducing muscular activity. This research also reveals the need for better-designed clinical trials with larger sample sizes, in order to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT on improving the signs and symptoms of TMDs.

Direct dental restorations are probably the most common procedures performed daily by the practitioners, and the alert rhythm with which restorative materials appear on the dental market, makes it difficult to choose a material that will ensure the clinical success. Direct class II restorations can sometimes be a real challenge, in terms of choosing the right matrix system, the restorative material and its application. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide for the practitioners, two different restoration techniques with two ormocer type materials.

Our aim in this follow-up in vitro study was to compare differences in marginal fit of inlays fabricated by CAD/CAM technique, using 2 different types of materials (one type of ceramic and one type of hybrid ceramic) and 2 different types of scanning: intraoral scanning (we use quotation marks because of the lack of a true intraoral environment) and model scanning, both performed on a Frasaco Typodont model. Marginal fit measurement was carried out with an electronic microscope at 1000x magnification. Our results proved to be better in the case of the ceramic we used, while model scanning proved to be more accurate than intraoral scanning. The best combination we obtained in terms of marginal fit was found when using ceramic and model scanning.

Periodontitis is a complex, multifactorial infectious disease, which affects a high proportion of the global population. Recent studies show that periodontal disease has strong negative impact on the homeostasis of the oral cavity but has also been associated with several systemic diseases. Although some correlation mechanisms between periodontitis and certain systemic disease have been described further extensive investigations are needed to establish causality. Periodontitis could be involved in the onset and progression of some types of cancers, especially oral cancer due to chronic inflammation. The release of citokines and inflammatory markers at a local level and in the blood stream can disregulate the variables of the body and can be directly involved in the mechanim of tumorigenesis. Another hypothesis relies on the role of disbiosis of the oral microbiome and the structural and functional alterations of the subgingival flora which define periodontitis in the oral cancer development. The prevalence of oral cancer is very high and continous increase at an alarming rate globally. The rapid progression and aggressive behavior of oral cancer, the high mortality rate, the comorbidities and negative effect on the quality of life after cancer treatment but most importantly the low survival rate on the long term highlight the need to supress all the potential risk factors in order to prevent this disease. Periodontal status evaluation and periodontal therapy should be initiated in patients undergoing cancer therapy in order to lower the risk of complications associated with radiation- and chemotherapy. Also on the long run treatment of periodontal disease could prevent the development of a new oropharyngial carcinoma.

Presently, at least half of posterior direct restorations rely on resin composite materials. The resin composite market is highly competitive between manufacturers providing practitioners with a vast choice from an array of similar product types. The aim of the present article is to provide practitioners an updated view on the resin composites presently available, which could represent the theoretical basis for choosing this material type for different clinical purposes mainly focused on restoring posterior teeth. A significant progress in the composition of resin composites is represented by the improvement of the filler system in order to enhance mechanical properties and remineralizing potential, as well as to provide a cariostatic or anti-bacterial effects. Some clinical factors play an important role in restoration longevity and causes of failure such as: the tooth type, the number of restored teeth per patient, the type of the substrate on which the composite is placed, some demographic, socioeconomic and behavioural variables of the patient. It is generally acknowledged that the operator ability is probably the most important factor in the longevity of a dental restoration. Placement of direct composite restorations (mostly in class II cavities) on posterior teeth rests a highly demanding restorative procedure. Technique-related aspects of posterior restorations rely on the knowledge and sufficient skills of the operator.

Gingival Recession (GR) appears in periodontal diseases or in isolation due to traumatic tooth brushing, occlusal traumas or oral piercing. Objective: The study was designed to establish the prevalence of gingival recession in young people, the intensity and the severity of the disease, as well as the existence of some links and correlations between the investigated parameters. Material and method: We examined 106 students (4th year students at the Faculty of Psychology in ClujNapoca), for which we determined the existence of GR, the height of GR, the height of the keratinized gum, the Miller class. Results: The GR prevalence was of 50.95%. 17 persons (31.47%) suffered from single tooth GR, 22 persons (40.72%) from two gingival recessions, 11 persons (20.4%) from three gingival recessions, and multiple gingival recessions were identified in 4 persons (7.4%). As concerns the height of the GR, 67.15% were of 1-2 mm, and 32.85% of the GR were over 3 mm. Conclusions: The obtained prevalence matches the data in specialized literature. The high percentage of GR with root coverage recommendations underlines the importance of early identification.